𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝐷𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠 (LeAga)

𝚌𝚊𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚕𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎: 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑜

ɪɴɪᴢɪᴏ ᴅᴇʟ ᴄᴀᴘɪᴛᴏʟᴏ

ꪶꫀꪖ

"What is his name again?" I asked all of a sudden that made Ian furrow his thick brows.

Fuck. Did I say that out loud?!

"Who?"

I got senses back and I tried to think of an alibi that I can tell him...now what?

I can't think of any!!!

"Nothing" I chuckled shyly, "That would be all. Ravioli with cream sauce."

"Are you sure? Wala ka na bang ibang gusto?" He interrogates which made me smirk secretly, "Just tell me if you want something else. That would be all, thank you." He told the waiter.

Ian, ha!! Huwag mo masyadong ipahalata na bet na bet mo ako. Teehee!!!

"Lea, about the anniversary thing..."

Here we go. I really wanted to know but I can still feel the awkward spirit encircling us. Why can't you just admit that you and Iza are together? Ugh, that woman! She is really giving me this kind of anger whenever I hear, think and see her face or name everywhere.
I remember when we were in college, after I ended our something—few months after, there are rumors that Iza and him are already dating. Napaka-bilis akong ipagpalit ng loko! He didn't even manage to know the reason why I decided to make him stop courting me. It was just also for him...for his future.

"Yeah?"

"Yesterday was my 12th anniversary being a Doctor of Surgery" he explains that made me  widen my eyes.

Fuckkkkkkkk!!! Dammnit to hell!!!!

This is so embarrassing. He locked his eyes into mine and he was just staring at me, with worry and fear, I reckon. As fast as I can, I tried making a sentence that is appropriate to his explanation and will not make me less of my profession.

I softly laugh, "I-I was not serious about that. And I'm sorry that I wasn't able to greet you. Is today counted? Happy anniversary, Doc!" I said constantly, trying my best not to stutter.

"It's fine, you aren't aware naman." Ian smiles  but now with a less weight on his aura, "Well, this count as a celebration since I wasn't able to celebrate yesterday. How iconic naman na anniversary slash announcement of suspension yesterday."

Somehow I felt bad for him. I remember every year that he used to order foods for the whole General Surgery department and he even likes to bring extra to the Oncology department....na pinapadala niya sa utility. He didn't even bother to deliver it to me personally.

Kapal din ng mukha ko, eh.

"That's sad..." I frown, "Well, I reckon that this lunch is a good thing."

"It's also my way to make it up to you"

Saveeeh!? I think he really takes everything in his chest, that's why he is like this. But, don't he ever make me feel guilty because of what happened to him. Everything has consequences...kahit sa isang gwapong katulad niya.

"You didn't have to, ano ka ba?" I slightly chuckled.

On cue, the waiter came back bringing our foods. We both said thank you simultaneously that made the waiter smile in a tease way. I just cleared my throat while Ian just beamed.

"And about the Italy thing," he says as he slice his focaccia, "I'm really serious about that, Lei."

You seemed to be. Okay fine, benefit of the doubt. Ian is worthy of my trust, he never failed me....literally. So I might really tell him the real reason behind this Italy escapade. Of all people, Ian would be the one who will really comprehend my will to do this. Some may say that this is odd and a waste of time, money. Yet they don't know about the after part, the satisfaction and the happiness that Ether will feel.